Joint installing machine



March 13, 1934. u. N. HELTZEL ,950,6773

JOINT INSTALLING MACHINE Filed March 2, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet l o o o 3f j@ inventor/I www March 13, 1934. J. N. HELTZEL 1,950,673

JOINT INSTALLING MACHINE Filed March 2, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 13, 1934. J. N. HEL'rzl-:L 1,950,673

JOINT INSTALLING MACHINE Filed March 2, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 F I E L Patented Mar. 13, 1934 UiiiiTED STATES PATENT oFFlCE 14 Ciaims.

The present invention relates to joint installing machines for use in the building of concrete roads and similar surfacing structures, and aims to -provide a novel and improved machine of that kind.

One object of the invention is the provision of a joint installing device movable along and perable from one side of the road under construction, without requiring the machine to bridge or span the entire road.

Another object of the invention is to provide a joint installing machine which may be conveniently moved on the road forms or rails at one side only of the road, in order that the machine may be simple in construction for manual operation and propulsion.

A further object is to provide novel means for mounting the joint installing blades or members for movement to and from the concrete, and for mounting a platform for movement on and oi the concrete.

With the forego-ing and other objects iniview, which will be apparent as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the construction and arrangement of parts, as hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes can be made within the scope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is a plan view of the machine.

Fig. 2 is an end view thereof showing the longitudinal joint installer partly raised in broken lines.

Fig. 3 is a cross section on the line 3--3 of Fig. 1 showing the longitudinal joint installer swung to its extreme position away from the concrete.

Fig. 4 is a perspective Vview of a modified machine.

Fig. 5 is a cross-section thereof.

Fig. 6 is an elevation, partly in section, of a simple form of device for use when the road slabs are built after the curbs.

Figs. '7, 8 and 9 are sectional details illustrating the steps in installing a joint strip or form.

Fig. is a sectional detail illustrating the use of a pair of blades for installing a joint strip or form.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a transverse joint installing device asso'- -ciated with a screed.

vThe frame 7 of the machine includes a pair of parallel longitudinal Vbeams 8 between which axles 9 are mounted near the opposite ends of the frame, and flanged wheels l0' are mounted on said axles to run on the iorms or rails at one side of the road under construction.

The wheels 10 are adjustable transversely on the axles 9 in order to adjust the frame 7 transversely of the road, in order to space the longitudinal joint the desired distance from the corresponding side of the road.

As shown, the side form or rail comprises a vertical web 11 having the base flange 12, and having the doubled portion 13 forming the tread on which the wheels 10 travel, with an outstanding flange 14 extending from the doubled portion 13. takes 15 are driven downwardly through registering openings in the flanges 12 and 14 to maintain the rail in positlon on the road subbase. This type of rail is preferable to permit the wheels 10 to have a slight transverse `rocking motion on the rail, although other types of rails may be used. Y

lTransverse boards or planks 16 are secured by bolts o1' other securing elements across the beams 8 near the ends of said beams, andsaid boards have series of apertures 16 to receive the securing elements, to provide for transverse l'adjustment of said boards with reference to the road. Parallel longitudinal planks or boards 17 are secured to the boards 16 to provide a platform for the workmen whenvinstalling and finishing the longitudinal joint. The boards l17 are spaced apart to receive the longitudinal joint installing blade between them. l

The platform being secured to the framej may be raised off the concrete, as .seveniin'Fig 3, by tilting the frame or truck l slightly :on the rail, thereby permitting the machine to be moved longitudinally of the road.

The longitudinal joint installing blade ..18 is secured between a pair of vchannel members 19,

with the bladeprojecting below said members to enter the plastic concrete, and the `members 19 re secured to transverse arms `20 having the angle brackets21 hingedly mounted on ,alongitudinal shaft 22 which is journaled in bearings 24 secured on the frame 7.

- The arms 20 have handles 23 for conveniently raising said arms and the blade 18, and coiled `torsion springs i-25 are disposed on the shaft .22

gage in the notches of said segments for holding the arms raised at different heights.

Coiled springs 29 also connect the brackets 21 with the upper ends of the posts 27 to assist the springs in lifting the arms 20 from the concrete.

The posts 27 have stops 3() to limit the movement of the arms 20 when they are swung beyond vertical position away from the concrete,

as seen in Fig. 3, whereby the arms 2O and parts carried thereby counter-balance the boards 16 and platform in order that the machine may be readily tilted sidewise on the rail, as seen in Fig. 3, to lift the platform from the concrete for conveniently moving the machine from one position to another longitudinally of the road.

The transverse joint installing blade 31 is secured between a pair of channel members 32, similar to the blade 18, and the blade 31 extends from the rail on which the machine moves to the line of the longitudinal joint, as seen in Fig. 2. The members 32 are connected near one end by a bracket 33 with the shaft 22, in order that the blade 31 may be swung upwardly and downwardly about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 22 with the blade moving in a vertical trans verse plane. A torsion spring 34 is disposed between the bracket 33 and the corresponding bearing 24 to urge the blade 31 upwardly.

A companion transverse joint installing blade 35 is `secured between a pair of channel members 36, which are hingedly connected, as at 37, with the members 32, so that the blade 35 can swing with or relatively to the blade 31 into the plastic material at the side of the longitudinal joint line opposite to the blade 31. The blades 35 may also be folded over the blade 3l.

In using the machine, it is moved to the desired longitudinal position on the road under construction, after the plastic concrete has been finished, and the platform 17 is let down on the plastic concrete in order that the workmen may stand on said platform while installing and finishing the joint. The arms 20 are raised to the desired height and may be permitted to swing downwardly by gravity so as to thrust the blade 18 into the plastic concrete to produce a groove therein, or the blade may be forced down into the concrete under pressure or the blows of a ram. It is preferable to place a joint form or member 38 of V-shaped section astride the blade 18 in order that said form may be forced down into the concrete, thereby holding the groove open. The forms or strips 38 may be deposited in the concrete end to end as the machine is advanced step by step along the road under construction. After a form or strip 38 has been installed, the machine is then advanced to its next position and the next form or strip is installed in the same manner, thereby forming a longitudinal groove in the road along the desired line.

The forms 38 are subsequently removed, after the concrete has set, and the groove is lled with tar, asphalt, or other material, to seal the joint, and the concrete will break between the groove and the sub-base to produce the longitudinal joint.

.The workmen may stand on the platform 17 for installing the joint as well as finishing the concrete along the joint.

In moving the machine from one position to another the arms 20 are swung upwardly against the stops 30, so that they counterbalance the platform 17, thereby permitting the machine to be readily tilted for raising the platform off the concrete, so that the machine may be moved longi-V tudinally without the platform dragging or slid-- ing on the soft concrete.

The transverse joints are installed at predetermined intervals by properly positioning the machine, and, after raising the blade 3l, swinging said blade downwardly by gravity or by the blow of a ram to form the transverse joint groove between the corresponding rail and the longitudinal joint. The transverse joints at the opposite side of the longitudinal joint may be formed by the blade 35 or by a supplemental machine when moved along the opposite rail.

The machine is inexpensive in construction as well as operation, being light in weight in order that it can be moved manually on the rail, and the joint installing means also being operable manually.

The platform 17 in addition to supporting the workmen also has the function of holding down the concrete at the opposite sides of the blade 18 when said blade is forced down into the concrete, thereby preventing the upward bulging or heaving of the concrete which might otherwise result.

The machine may also be used for producing various kinds of joints so that various blades may be used. The blades may be such as to be withdrawn from the concrete, or to remain in the concrete, or may be such as to deposit joint forms, strips or members in the concrete.

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate longitudinal platforms 17a, which are preferably of sheet metal having rounded edges and upwardly curved ends in order that the platforms may be floated on the plastic concrete without scoring or marring the surface. Said platforms are connected at their ends by yokes 16a, and outstanding handles 40 are secured on said platforms adjacent to the yokes for conveniently lifting and carrying the machine.

Draft members 41 are connected to the forward yoke 16a in order that the platforms may be slid on the concrete, and the machine may be pulled manually or by a tractor, concrete mixer, or the like, or may be trailed back of a finishing mai.'

chine.

It is understood that the apparatus shown in Figure 4 may also be used for installing transverse joints. When thus used, it would be required that the apparatus be of sufcient length so as to span the roadway under construction. The operations are the same with transverse joints as described for installing longitudinal joints.

Arms 20a are pivoted, as at 22a, to quadrants 26a, which are mounted for transverse adjustment in slots 24a in the handles 40 at one side, and the joint producing blade 18a is secured to the arms 20a to enter the plastic concrete between the platforms 17a; used. As shown, a V-shaped strip 38a is placed over the blade 18a to be forced into the plastic concrete.

In order to force the blade 18a down into the plastic concrete, screws 42 are threaded through nuts 43 which are in the form of balls mounted for turning movement in the yokes 16a, to provide a universal joint connection between each screw and the yoke, permitting the screw to swing out of the path of the corresponding arm 20a. The screws have balls 44 on the lower ends thereof to be disposed in sockets 45 secured on the arms 20c, so that when the blade has been moved down to the concrete, the screws may be swung to position the balls 44 over the sockets 45 and Any suitable blade may be the screws may then be screwed downwardly to apply pressure tc the arms 20a and blade 18a. With the workman and other load on the platforms 17a, the weight thereof is applied to the blade to force the blade down into the plastic concrete. The screws 42 may then be unscrewed and swung to one side to permit the blade to be raised.

The arms 20a have dogs 28a to engage the notches of the quadra-nts 26a for holmng the arms 20o and blade in raised position.

Fig. 6 illustrates a simple form oi device for installing a longitudinal joint when the road slab is built after the curb 43 has been constructed. The device consists of one or more saddles 7b to :dt astride the curb 43, and an arm 20h for each saddle pivotally connected thereto, as at 22h. The blade lSb secured between the channel irons 19h which provides a rail on which the saddles are movable, or any other suitable blade, is secured to the arm or arms 2Gb to be raised and lowered similar to the blades 18 and 18a hereinbeiore described.

The arm 20h has a series of apertures 42 to receive the securing elements of the blade, in order that the blade may be adjusted to different distances from the curb. The saddles 7b are readily positioned on the curb for mounting the arms 2Gb.

Figs. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate the platforms or boards 17o located close together, and they may be part ci a machine, or loose platforms laid on the concrete. The platforms are spaced apart sufciently to permit the blade 18o to pass snugly between them, and the channel irons or members 19o between which the blade is secured may serve as stops to contact with the platforms for limiting the movement oi the blade into the concrete.

The platform may be trailed longitudinally of themselves with the blades 18o in the plastic con.- crete, the spaced platforms serving as iloats to simultaneously float the concrete on each side of the joint cutting means, to produce the groove when an open joint is desired or the platforms may be moved longitudinally of themselves to advanced positions while the platforms are raised out of contact with the concrete.

The blade is then lifted from the concrete, as seen in Fig. 8, leaving a groove, and the joint strip or form 38o is then inserted downwardly through the slot between the platforms into the groove, as seen in Fig. 9. The joint-member may be a strip of performed material to remain in the concrete as a part of the joint, or may be a form f to be removed after the concrete has set to permit tar or other sealing material to be poured into the groove.

Fig. illustrates the use of a pair of blades 18d adapted to enter the plastic concrete and having the out-turned flanges 19d at their upper edges, and the joint member or form 38d may be inserted downwardly between the blades and forced down into position in the groove formed by the blades. The joint strip or form may be clamped between the blades by suitable clamps (not shown) and the joint strip or form forced down into the concrete with the blades, as a unit. The blades may then be separated slightly and withdrawn from the concrete, leaving the joint strip or member 38h embedded in the concrete, as disclosed in my pending application Serial No. 223,161, led September 30, 1927.

Fig. 11 illustrates a transverse joint installing device associated with a reciprocating screed 17e of a road finishing machine, which may operate in advance of the longitudinal joint installing apparatus shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

The screed 17e has the iront wall 46 and the rear wall 47, said front wall pushing the surplus material ahead of the screed, and as seen in Fig'. 1l the screed is moved rearwardly from the surplus material for the installation of the transverse joint.

The walls 46 and 47 are connected by yolres 16e, only one of which is shown, and each yolre is pivoted to the lower end of a rod 43 of the iinishing machine, said rod being pressed downwardly by a spring 49, to hold the screed on the side rails or forms.

The screed is reciprocated, and a push rod 51 of the machine has rollers v52 bearing against the wall 46 and the bottom of the screed, for pushing the screed forwardly with the machine.

The joint installing blade or mandrel 13e is located in rear of the screed, and is movable within an overhanging portion 56--58 of each yoke 16e, a screw 42e being threaded through a nut 43e trunnioned within the portion 5G and having its lower end connected by a swivel and universal joint 44e with the blade 18e, to permit the blade to be reciprocated longitudinally.

The screws 42e may be rotated for raising and lowering the blade. An arm 53 is hinged to the wall 47 or the screed to be swung rearwardly into a cut-out portion 54 of the blade le, in or der that when the screed is reciprccated the a "in 53 will strike the ends or shoulders of the portion 54, thereby reciprocating the blade 18e. The arm 5S may be swung forwardly over the screed when the blade is raised.

In operation, when the joint installing blade or member 18e is at the proper location, the forward movement of the screed is stopped, and by rotating the screws 42e the blade will be forced down into the concrete. In order to agitato the blade, a hand tamper may be used to tarnp the blade, or the arm'S may be swung into the portion or recess 54 of the blade so as to reciprocate the blade during its downward movement into the concrete. The blade will thus move into the E concrete with a sawing action as the blade is moved downwardly by the screws.

The blade may be used for producing a cut or groove in the concrete, or a V-shaped joint strip or form 38e may be placed on the blade before it is depressed, so as to be deposited in the concrete, said strip remaining in the concrete when the blade is raised. After the blade is raised above the concrete, the screed is then raised from the concrete and the machine backed 130 up to bring the screed over the joint strip or member, and the screed is then let down on the concrete and is reciprocated over the joint strip or member to bring said strip or member flush with the surface of the concrete and to iinish the 135 concrete adjacent to the joint.

The joint member may be a V-shaped form, as shown, to be removed subsequently and the groove filled with suitable sealing material, or the joint member may be of suitable premolded 140 joint material to remain in the concrete.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. A machine or the character described comprising a frame having means movable on a rail 145 at one side of a road under construction, a longitudinal joint blade, and means for hingedly connecting the blade with the frame for the upward and downward movement of the blade on an axis parallel with the blade. i

` 2. A machine of the character described comprising a frame having means movable on a rail at one side of a road under construction, and transverse and longitudinal joint installing blades hingedly connected with said frame.

3. A machine of the character described comprising a frame having means movable on a rail at one side of a road under construction, a platform comiected to said frame and adapted to rest on the plastic concrete of the road, and a joint installing blade hingedly connected with the frame for upward and downward movement adjacent to the platform.

4. A machine oi the character described having means movable on a rail at one side of a road under construction, a platform connected to said frame to tilt therewith on said rail for the movement of the platform on and off the plastic concrete of the road, and a joint installing blade connected with said frame for upward and downward movement adjacent to the platform.

5. A machine of the character described comprising a frame having means movable on a rail at one side of a road under construction, inwardl ly extending members secured to said frame, a

platform secured to said members, arms hingedly connected with the frame, and a longitudinal joint installing blade carried by said arms to move downwardly into the plastic concrete adja- 1 cent to said platform.

6. A machine of the character described comprising a frame having means movable cn a rail at one side of a road under construction, a platform connected with said frame and adapted to rest on the plastic concrete of the road, and

joint installing means hingedly connected with the frame and including a blade movable downwardly into the concrete, said joint installing means being adapted to be swung beyond a vertical position away from the road to counterbalance said platform.

'7. A machine of the cha-racter described comprising supporting means, a joint installing blade, and means for hingedly mounting said blade from said supporting means for the upward and downward movement of the blade on an axis parallel with the blade.

8. A machine ofthe character described comprising means to t on a rail at one side of a road under construction, and a joint installing blade ln'ngedly connected at one end with said means to swing toward and away from the surface of the road.

9. A device of the character described comprising means to rit on a rail at one side of a road under construction, a joint installing blade hingedly connected at one end to said means, and another joint installing blade hingedly connected to the free end of the rst named blade.

l0. A device of the character described, comprising a plurality of hingedly connected joint installing blades adapted to extend over a roadway, to be moved up and down to and from the plastic concrete, and means for mounting the blades.

11. A device of the character described, comprising a frame, and a plurality of hingedly connected joint installing blades pivoted to the frame for up and down movement to and from the plastic concrete for producing a cleft in the plastic concrete.

12. A device or the character described for cutting joints in a plastic surfacing structure, comprising a longitudinal joint cutting blade, and spacing members attached to the blades and having provisions for hinged connection with a member extending along one side of the road for up and down swinging movement of the blade to and from the surface of the concrete.

13. A joint installing machine, comprising spaced platforms adapted to extend upon opposite sides of the joint groove to be formed in the road, means supporting said platforms for movement toward and from lthe roadway whereby the platforms are adapted to serve as flo-ats, and groove producing means operating between said platforms and supported independently of the platforms for movement toward and from the roadway.

14. The method or" producing joints in plastic concrete, consisting of positioning `spaced members on the plastic material, moving a cleaving member by gravity to register in the concrete through the space between the members, causing a separation and, thereafter, depositing joint material in the separation.

JOHN N. HELTZEL. 

